Winter travel covers everything from a week on the slopes to a festive trip to the other side of the world. Each has different health risks, and most are easy to manage if you plan ahead. At The Wright Practice, we walk through what to check before you go, from vaccinations and malaria prevention to altitude, medication paperwork and jet lag.
A few quick answers before we go into more detail.
The right checks depend on the kind of trip. The table below sets out the main points for the three most common winter journeys.
| Type of trip | Main health points to think about | What to arrange beforehand |
|---|---|---|
Ski trip | Altitude illness at higher resorts, cold injury, sun and dehydration, injury risk | Insurance that covers winter sports, a plan for gradual ascent, advice if you have a heart or lung condition |
Winter sun | Malaria in some regions, food and water illness, insect bites, hepatitis A and typhoid | Destination-specific vaccines, malaria advice, bite prevention supplies |
Long-haul festive trip | Jet lag, blood clot risk on long flights, medication timing across time zones | A sleep plan, medication letter, advice if you have clot or heart risk factors |
UK travel health guidance suggests seeking advice four to six weeks before you travel. That gives time for vaccines that need more than one dose, and for antimalarial tablets to be started on schedule.
If you are leaving sooner, do not skip it. Some vaccines can be given at short notice, and antimalarial tablets can often be started just before departure. Late advice is still far better than none.
There is no single list. Your itinerary decides it. Commonly considered vaccines include hepatitis A, typhoid, and a tetanus, diphtheria and polio booster. Depending on where you are going and what you will be doing, rabies, hepatitis B or yellow fever may also be relevant.
It is also worth checking that your routine vaccines are up to date, including measles, mumps and rubella. A few vaccines, such as the dengue vaccine, need longer lead time, so ask early if you think they might apply.
Our travel vaccinations and travel health advice service reviews your itinerary and vaccination history together. You can also see how we plan longer-term protection through our lifetime vaccination service.
Possibly. Malaria is found in many parts of Africa, Asia, and Central and South America, and risk varies by country, region and even time of year. Some destinations need tablets, while others only need careful bite prevention.
Doctors often describe the approach in four steps: be aware of the risk, prevent bites, take tablets when advised, and get prompt medical help if you develop a fever. Tablets usually need to be started before you enter a malaria area and continued after you leave, so follow the full course.
If you feel unwell with a fever during or after travel, even months later, tell your doctor where you have been.
Most ski holidays are straightforward, but a few points deserve attention.
In some cases, medicines can help prevent altitude illness. This needs a conversation with a doctor beforehand, not a decision made at the resort.
Keep medicines in their original packaging, with a copy of your prescription and, where relevant, a letter from your prescriber. Carry them in your hand luggage, with some spare supplies in the hold.
Rules vary by country, and some everyday medicines, including those containing codeine, are controlled elsewhere. If you carry three months or more of a controlled drug, you may need a Home Office licence, which should be applied for at least ten days before travel. Check with the relevant embassy before you go.
If you take regular medication or have a long-term condition, it is sensible to have recent results to hand. Our private blood testing and biomarker assessment can be arranged before you travel.
“The best travel health advice is specific to you and your trip,” says Dr Dan Wright. “I would rather spend ten minutes understanding your itinerary and your health than hand you a generic list. If you take regular medication or have a condition we need to plan around, we can also help you while you are abroad by phone or video.”
This approach runs across every consultation at our Harley Street clinic, including our private GP services.
Ideally four to six weeks before you leave, which gives time for multi-dose vaccines and for antimalarial tablets to be started on schedule. If you are travelling sooner, still book. Some vaccines and tablets can be arranged at short notice.
It depends on exactly where you are going. Malaria risk varies by country, region and season, and some places need only bite prevention. A travel health consultation at The Wright Practice will check your specific itinerary.
Hepatitis A, typhoid and a tetanus, diphtheria and polio booster are among the most common, depending on where you are going. Others such as rabies, hepatitis B or yellow fever are considered case by case.
Yes, particularly at higher resorts above about 2,500 metres or if you ascend quickly. Symptoms include headache, nausea and dizziness. Gradual ascent and rest on arrival help, and a doctor can advise if you have extra risk.
Not always. Many standard policies exclude winter sports or off-piste skiing, so check that yours covers your activities, any existing medical conditions and emergency repatriation before you book.
Usually, yes, if it is in its original packaging with a copy of your prescription or a letter from your prescriber. Some medicines are controlled in certain countries, so check the rules for your destination before you travel.
A letter is strongly advised for controlled drugs and injectable medicines, and is sensible for most prescription medication. If you carry three months or more of a controlled drug, a Home Office licence may also be needed.
Shift your sleep time a little before you leave, get daylight at the right time on arrival, drink water, limit alcohol and caffeine, and keep naps short. It will not remove jet lag, but it usually makes it milder.
Seek local medical care for anything serious, and tell the doctor about your medicines and conditions. The Wright Practice can also offer a telephone or video consultation if you need advice while you are abroad.
Yes, if you develop a fever, persistent diarrhoea or any unexplained illness, particularly after visiting a malaria area. Tell the doctor where you have been, even if it was several months ago.
A little planning makes winter travel far less stressful. Book a consultation with The Wright Practice today to get your pre-trip checklist sorted.
Rated ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ from 197 Reviews
